Light up your life

Light and shadow along with camera angles can be a powerful tool in communicating with others.

1	Lights!
		Depending on your location, your light source may be fluorescent (most offices), incandescent (homes), natural (outdoors) or a combination of all three. Each has its own color temperature. Your camera's software will have the ability to adjust the hue to compensate for the cool blue-greenies of an overhead fluorescent tube or the warm yellows of a desk lamp. Daylight incorporates the entire spectrum and renders the most natural skin tones. If your location changes because your camera is mobile, test and adjust for each new situation.
2	Your best side
		As you can see from the 2 examples above, the angle of the camera can make a world of difference how light is distributed across your face. Adjusting the placement of your camera may be easier to control than your light source. If you can position the light just above and to the right behind the camera, the light and shadows will give volume and depth to your features. The painter, Rembrandt used this type of lighting for his subjects. A natural shadow is cast that defines the chin and jaw, and separates them from the neck. A small shadow helps delineate the nose and create intrigue in your eyes as they catch the light. Experiment with your camera's placement in respect to the light available to you
3	Bright light reflects a mood
		Even, bright but filtered light will make for the crispest clearest images, but an odd light source can tell a different story. Communication with a co-worker probably mandates 'regular' or 'standard' lighting effects, but on occasion you may want to 'break the rules' and have a little fun in expressing yourself! In this example, a problematic glint off her eyeglasses gives her an unworldly look and lets the recipient know that this message is out of the ordinary.